Posts tagged with "Toyota"

Toyota Partners with Brooklyn Artist to Create Illusion Ahead of NY Auto Show

Toyota has partnered with with augmented reality artist Michael Murphy to create an out of this world illustration that will have people guessing if what they are seeing is real at all. The 3D illusion of the fourth-generation 2020 Toyota Highlander will be debuted at the New York International Auto Show. as well as in the sky, projected on buildings throughout the city, on April 17.

The project took Murphy nearly 2 months to create in his Brooklyn studio. He painted each piece of the illusion by hand and later worked with a team to place the 200 pieces carefully to have them appear as if floating in air, reminiscent of a giant mobile.

The installation capitalizes on the design elements of the Highlander that will be sure to stand out. The piece captures the model’s power in a modern and sophisticated way.

Check out the 3D illusion in hidden areas all around New York City, online here, or on a livestream of the press conference here.

About Michael Murphy

Augmented reality artist Michael Murphy creates full-blown 3D illusions from pieces of paper and poster board. Ohio-born and working in New York City, Murphy’s “Perceptual Art” installations, can be seen around the world. His pieces play with viewers’ perception and forces them to investigate further.

As of late, 360 MAGAZINE took a road trip from Los Angeles to Palm Springs in the new 2019 Lexus IS 350 F Sport. The Friday midday drive took around 3 hours with heavy traffic and the Lexus handled like a dream, providing a comfortable and quiet ride.

With a red carpet ready exterior combined with the public presentation and speed of a cheetah, the $53,000 2019 Lexus IS 350 F Sport effortlessly combines luxury and performance. The clear and alluring looking vehicle makes a bold statement for Lexus brand sedans. The vehicle is intuitive and dynamic with brakes that feel stronger and suspension that feels tighter.

PERFORMANCE

The IS 350 F Sport gets a combined 23 mpg city/hwy. It uses 4.3 gallons per 100 miles. With a 311 horsepower and 280 pound-ft of torque, the Lexus leaps across the pavement, while maintaining a smooth ride. The vehicle is fitted out with a 3.5-liter V6 24-valve, dual overhead cam, direct injection, adaptive variable suspension and variable timing intelligent wide intake and exhaust. It boasts an 8-speed sport shift transmission with driving modes such as ECO, normal, sport and snow. The visibility and force in a car this size is impressive combined with less road vibration and responsive brakes. Very reminiscent of the 2003 Infiniti G35, Lexus really does it all in this 2019 IS 350 F Sport.

EXTERIOR

The appearance of the IS 350 F Sport combines dark chrome with a pronounced mesh grille which pairs nicely with its large black 18’’ split 5-spoke wheels. The motorcar is a compact and speed oriented vehicle enhanced with triple beam headlights.

INTERIOR

The inside holds a geometric style allowing for a sturdy yet cozy appearance. The sharp black interior is matched with leather and imitation grain wood paneling. It’s bolstered F Sport seating is heated and ventilated as well. In addition to its leather stitching, the left and right positions of the steering wheel are manually heated as well. This model comes with the classic F Sport gauge which which is controlled by the tinge of a button. Back seats fold down for additional storage, making the IS 350 F Sport the only Lexus Sedan model with the option.

SAFETY & TECHNOLOGY

The Lexus IS 350 F Sport received government 5-Star Safety Ratings in Overall Vehicle Score, Frontal Crash, Side and Rollover. It owes its safety capabilities mainly to the technology implanted into it.

Just a few aspects of the Lexus’s technology which works to ensure the safety of passengers are it’s blind spot monitor with rear cross traffic alert, it’s intuitive parking assist and the Lexus Enform Safety Connect & Service Connect. Other mentionable features include the Lexus Safety System+ which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, high speed-dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert with steering assist and intelligent high beam headlights. This model also takes into account the safety of our environment with a Fuel Economy & Greenhouse Gas Rating of 5 due to it’s eco mode gas saver. Due to this feature the 360 team was able to race from Los Angeles to Palm Springs and back with animalistic stamina and no need to refill the tank.

The IS 350 F Sport Model also comes equipped with a Mark Levinson audio which includes a navigation System with 10.3-in Color Multimedia Display, Mark Levinson 15 speaker and 835 Watt, 5.1-channel Surround Sound Audio System. In addition to the audio package the model comes with voice command, siri eyes free and Scout GPS Link TurnStrem(™).

CONCLUSION

The Lexus IS 350 F Sport is a vehicle made for successful self-motivated individuals who have a strong appreciation for extremely dynamic vehicles while additionally having the capabilities to comfortably seat five. Nevertheless, Lexus truly has found a means to win back car enthusiasts with this newly imagined entry level sports sedan.

Over the holiday season, we had the opportunity to traverse through NYC and the surrounding metropolitan areas with one of the auto industry’s most capable compact luxury SUVs. Due to its affordable base price, above average gas mileage, ergonomics and technology, the Lexus NX is an easy choice for many.

Value × Performance

Lexus carries a base price of $36,485 and features a 235-horsepower turbo-four engine, six-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive. Standard driver assistance features include a rearview camera, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. In addition, one can add all-wheel drive for only $1,400. By upgrading to the NX F Sport (our model tested was approximately $49,000) the vehicle has select components to enhance handling, such as an F Sport-tuned suspension and Sport S and Sport S+ drive modes. Other features in this package include paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, special body panels and badges and front sport seats with enhanced bolsters for added side support. As far as acceleration capacity, the NX should easily offer enough power for the casual driver. The NX 300 (formerly known as the NX 200t) comes with a 235-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, a six-speed automatic, and front-wheel drive. G-force sensors and adaptive cruise control set this vehicle apart from the other SUV’s on the market today.

The NX’s safety features are also top notch and include eight airbags, whiplash-injury lessening front seats, and a full array of available electronic safety systems such as lane departure alert and intelligent high-beam. With all newer Lexus models, it also includes the highly specialized and technologically advanced Lexus pre-collision Safety System. These safety features combined bring the NX to the top of its class.

Interior

Standard features on the interior of the NX include an infotainment system with an 10.3-inch display screen, Siri Eyes Free, Bluetooth, a Wi-Fi hot spot, an eight-speaker audio system, and satellite radio. A wireless device charger and heads-up display are a couple of great additional features. Not to mention, those scarlet red race-inspired designer seats and red stitched dash appointments. Of course, climate control as well as heated seats and steering are always winners during the winter months.

Comfort

Given the already generous backseat room in the car, the NX also includes power-folding rear seats. Additionally, the cabin is extremely quiet even at highway speeds which is a great feature especially for long road trips.

Technology

Newly offered Alexa, allows the driver to stream Amazon music, listen to audiobooks and control their living quarters via smart-home. Other capabilities includes their smartwatch to help lock and unlock vehicle as well as monitors their lent model’s speed and fuel levels. One of their most important and intuitive features is Direction Assist, allowing a friendly human exchange with an operator who can input addresses into your navigation while you pay closer attention to the road. And of course in this digitally renovated world, having someone to speak to while on a solo trip can be conducive with driver’s fatigue. On the other hand, for those introverts seeking a quiet more therapeutic ride, they can utilize the remote touchpad to interact with the SUV’s overall cerebrum.

Conclusion

The Lexus NX 300 F Sport is one-of-a-kind. Even in a overly-crowded compact SUV market, the Lexus NX still manages to push through into the limelight. With its interior loaded with technology and its bold exterior turning heads on the streets, this is a great purchase for anyone looking for a sporty yet roomy modern SUV. Moreover, if you don’t like being at the pump every week and being able to fit in a small parking spot within a metropolis – this is a MUST-BUY.

The Entertainment Industry’s Voice For Road Safety – entered the hip hop arena with its Power 106 partnership at the popular Rolling Loud festival. The statewide “Go Safely California” DUI Awareness campaign (http://gosafelyca.org) encourages the bar-going demographic to plan ahead with a designated driver, ride share, Uber, Lyft or taxi, was positioned at the festival’s main entrance at Banc Of California Stadium Grounds, covering more than 100,000 attendees over the two day event. RADD® supporter Toyota, donated vintage Scion hats as giveaways to concert attendees visiting the RADD® booth to support responsible driving and road safety. Power 106 supported the “Go Safely California” campaign with radio spots voiced by popular morning drive time DJ, J Cruz and a social media integration. Listen here. See Rolling Loud event photos here.

RADD®, which stands for Recording Artists Against Drunk Driving, is on more than 53 college campuses in California with a combined student population of 1.3 million and three military bases with reach to over 55,000. The campaign is backed by a grant from the California Office Of Traffic Safety (OTS) through the National Highway Traffic Administration (NHTSA/USDOT).

RADD®’s peer-to-peer program that features music talent is designed to reduce DUI arrest and fatalities, by encouraging everyone to “plan ahead” with a round-trip designated driver, ride share, Uber, Lyft or taxi. RADD®’s message is “have fun, plan ahead.” Drinking and driving is not an option.

There has been an uptick of DUI’s and road fatalities reported daily. With the holiday season upon us, we can realistically expect more.

The iconic “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk” celebrity campaign was produced by RADD® and is the proud two-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s prestigious Public Service Award and a Governors Highway Safety

Association honoree. RADD® is also the recipient of a 2016 Bulldog Not-for-Profit Awards bronze medal for Best Issue/Cause Advocacy Campaign.

Hyundai CRADLE, Hyundai Motor Company’s corporate venturing and open innovation business announced today its strategic investment in allegro.ai, a leading technology company specializing in deep learning (DL) – based computer vision. This partnership with allegro.ai will allow to speed up deployment of AI technology in many business areas. This will improve the quality of Hyundai’s products, thereby increasing customer satisfaction while creating a safer driving environment.

Founded in 2016, allegro.ai offers the first end-to-end DL lifecycle management solution focused on deep learning as it applies to computer vision. The company’s platform simplifies the process of developing and managing deep learning-powered solutions – such as autonomous vehicles, drones, security, logistics and others.

“Deep learning computer vision is one of the core technologies that can be applied to autonomous driving to navigate roads and make quick decisions in real-time – and allegro.aiis clearly an innovation leader in that field,” said Ruby Chen, Head of Investment at Hyundai CRADLE Tel Aviv. He added, “Our investment in allegro.ai is a further step in enhancing our presence in the Israeli market, a global leader of technological innovation in the fields of automation, artificial intelligence and deep learning. This is our fifth investment in an Israeli company and our activities will continue to grow the coming year”.

“We are proud to partner with Hyundai and share Hyundai’s belief that AI empowers the industry to provide greater road safety, autonomy, to better understand customers’ needs and to help broaden their experiences,” said Nir Bar-lev CEO and Co-founder of allegro.ai. “Whether a company is developing autonomous vehicles, drones, security, or other types of applications, allegro.ai makes it easy for them to manage their data-sets and build deep learning-based solutions while guaranteeing complete and confidential control of their data.

The 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback makes a design comeback, leaving a lasting impression with innovative upgrades and engineering. SE base model starts at $21,000 and the XSE somewhere in the ballpark of $24,000. Our midnight black souped-up model’s MSRP is around $27,000 and is fully stocked with 18-inch wheels alongside a massive back spoiler to add drama. With every pen stroke, the architects produced a dynamic, athletic yet sophisticated vehicle. The world’s best-selling car just got remixed. So, we promptly accepted the manufacturer’s offer to road trip it to Vegas to check out our favorite pop stars Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding, and Pitbull at the JBL Fest hosted by special guest Quincy Jones.

Different from former models, this version possesses a longer wheelbase. The black mesh honeycomb grille, emphasizes the evolution of the Corolla and its increased width. To provide better forward visibility, the hood is constructed to sit two inches lower than earlier. The rounded physique makes a simple, yet powerful three-dimensional landscape that is comfortable and pleasing to drive. Moreover, the interior quality is more delicate and stylish. The XSE stitching on dash and door is bold and fashion-forward. Thus, when we pulled up to the SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino all eyes were on us. Furthermore, the hatchback has technologically advanced features: three-door Smart Key system; Apple CarPlay; Amazon’s Alexa and 8-inch touch display screen. Other amenities include an 8-speaker JBL audio system (excellent for fist-pumping), 2 USB ports and a single-zone automatic climate control; a leather shift knob and paddle shifters behind the steering rack.

The Safety Sense 2.0 includes pre-collision warning with pedestrian, cyclist and roadside detection as well as dynamic cruise control and lane departure alerts. Alarms are popular amongst users, who enjoy a visual alert on infotainment screen and then a ringing alert if detection becomes more fatal. Seats empower comfort with updated cushioning which minimizes fatigue and also are great for cornering while in Sport Mode. Ideal access to the steering wheel, pedals, and gear shift are available with power adjustable seat.

The new fuel-efficient TNGA 2.0 liter four-cylinder, six-speed iMT (Intelligent Manual Transmission) makes it easier to maneuver on highways. The CVT (continuously variable transmission) at an additional $1,100 includes more power and miles per gallon. The CVT simplifies the stop and go action, boosts fuel economy and makes blind spot monitoring available.

While both SE and XSE receive LED headlamps/taillights, chrome rear diffuser, and alloy wheels, the XSE is more distinctive. The SE sports 16-inch wheels while XSE rocks 18-inch wheels (with a 33 mpg). Additional features include LED fog lights; chrome grille surround and Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS). AFS matches the vehicle velocity and steering angle for the correct distribution of light – great for some of the darker strips in downtown Las Vegas. Behind the steering wheel, a 7-inch TFT Multi-Information Display (MID) which displays vehicle information, turn-by-turn navigation, and various vehicle settings: Lane Departure Alert, Lane Tracing Assist, Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, and Blind Spot Monitor.

As of late, 360 Magazine had the opportunity to join Lexus in Seattle for an intimate ride and drive of their wholly-new UX SUV at the newly reimagined luxurious Loews Hotel 1000. This seaport city is home to both tech giants Microsoft and Amazon. With Lexus’s innovative track record for having unparalleled technology within their cabin, it was befitting that they brought us to the home of the Space Needle. Subsequently, this town is known to think outside of the box.

The 2019 Lexus UX takes a step into the future of modern luxury with its two most affordable and compact SUVs – the UX 200 and UX 250h. UX stands for urban crossover (x-over). The UX 200 will be released in December 2018 starting at $32,000 and the UX 250h will be released in January 2019 for around $34,000. Gearing towards an opulent compact car with an exterior design so specific, the UX has a signature three-dimensional shape that makes it different from its siblings.

The front has brow-shaped LED lights with optional ultra-small 3-projector LED units. Across the back of the boot, are an innovative wrap of three-dimensional LED lights which help with stability on the highways – a standout design element on the UX. The structure is built to mold into an everyday vehicle that is stable, perfect for urban use because it’s small and easy to park. We had no problem squeezing to the front of the Bainbridge ferry.

The 18″ 5-spoke aluminum alloy dark gray metallic wheels are proportional to the overall aesthetics of the vehicle. Available in a variety of twelve exterior colors, two of which are exclusive to the UX F Sport – Cadmium Orange and Nori Green. The Cadmium Orange includes a cherry base with yellow lowlights, making it appear vivid and adding tons of depth. Nori Green possesses bright highlights and dark contrast alongside of calm shades, drawing the color brilliant. Both of these colors are newfangled and daring for the Lexus brand.

The F Sport package is available in both the UX 200 and UX 250h model as well as has enhanced features and style which contributes to its name. This option comes in the two colors – Ultra White and Ultrasonic Blue Mica 2.0. The F Sport performance is exceptional, transforming the UX into a bespoke-like designer car with front sports seats, grille design, and jet-black trim.

The concept of UX stems from the versatility and adaptability this vehicle offers. With a seamless interior coupled with the Japanese concept of engawa offers a richer field of vision. Executed with a high-strength structure, placement of sound absorbing and insulating materials throughout, one can enjoy an extremely quiet ride.

The connection between driver and the vehicle is apparent with the “seat-in-control” concept. Entering and exiting is made easy with hip-point bottom cushions. 8-way power driver seats (including lunbar) allows the driver to operate with a comfortable yet natural posture.

All UX models are fabricated to ensure safety while driving. The Pre-Collision System alerts drivers of pedestrians, cyclists and other vehicles with a forward-facing camera and radar system. The LSS+ 2.0 system enhances this with specific light detection for different hours of the day. If the Pre-Collision System detects a high possibility of collision, an audio and visual alert will prompt the driver to take action. If the driver does not break at that point, the system may automatically apply brakes to help mitigate impacts. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control maintains a preset distance and operates between 0 to 110 mph. The Lane Departure Alert is extremely helpful with the Multi-Information Display (MID) the system can use forward-facing cameras to detect colored land marking illustrations. If the driver deviates from a visibly marked lane, the system alerts the driver with an audio and visual alert. In addition, the UX has an Electric Power Steering and Steering Assist. The Road Sign Assist can read a variety of traffic signs and will display them on the vehicle’s MID. Furthermore, Parking Support Brake uses braking control and visual warnings to reduce possible contact with moving objects while parking.

This Lexus is extraordinary with its high definition, intuitive technology, and overall performance. The UX includes a standard 7″ TFT (thin-film-transistor) LCD control panel while the UX F Sport features an 8″ TFT LCD panel design with a movable meter ring. By pressing a switch on the steering wheel, it moves to the right, enlarging the multi-information display. With the Lexus Remote Touch Interface, the 2019 UX feels as familiar as a smartphone. The most impressive tech feature is Amazon’s “Alexa” – which immediately connects you to play music; find directions; open your garage door on a rainy day; lock/unlock from a smart device and amongst other things control the lights in your home. The Lincoln Navigator is the only other vehicle in Northern America which offers Alexa. Moreover, additional driver connectivity features include Apple CarPlay, 4GB Wi-Fi Hotspot, Voice recognition for commands and the SiriusXM. The heads-up display allows drivers to focus more on the road and less on the infotainment unit.

The UX complies with the global trend of efficient gas mileage vehicles – UX 200 at 33 mpg (2.0- liter inline four-cylinder engine, similar to competitors but with less under-hood heat and lower weight for better vehicle balance). The UX 250h at 39 mpg, making it the wave of their next generation of hybrids. With 181 hp, the UX 250h is the fuel-efficient leader with the best-combined mpg of any CUV and/or SUV without a plugin NA.

In short, the Lexus UX 200 and UX 250h is a shoo-in for a ‘xennial’ buyer – a person who grew up in an analog environment and can easily adapt to present-day’s digital society. Just think of all of your friends and family members with a recent graduate degree or higher residing in a metropolis. Most likely they have a high appreciation for the arts and take local trips within their surrounding area with one or more cronies and a small lap dog in tow.

Practicality meets luxury with the 2018 GX 460 SUV, a work-to-weekend warrior that’s as at home on the trail as it is in the city or suburbs. Underscoring the three-row GX 460’s all-weather capability and comfort that seats up to seven passengers, the heated/ventilated front seats are available as a standalone option for the base model (standard on the Premium and Luxury models). In addition, the top-line GX 460 now offers captain’s chairs for the second-row seating in the Sport Design Package.

One Vehicle, Two Ways Easy maneuverability and the comfort of the GX 460 make it an ideal contender for the modern family. A dual-purpose vehicle, the luxury SUV can go from the office to an active, demanding 4×4 environment on the weekend without looking out of place. The standard and sole engine is a 301-horsepower 4.6-liter V8 that issues 329 lb.-ft. of peak torque. Combine that with 6,500-lb. towing capacity, and you’ve got an ideal boat hauler. Towing is aided with Trailer Sway Control, a function of the Vehicle Stability Control that enhances straight-line tracking.

A key to the GX 460’s dual personalities is its standard Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS), which helps to significantly reduce body lean without resorting to stiffer springs and dampers. Lexus made the stabilizer bars stiffer to help reduce maximum body-lean angle by as much as 50 percent. Hydraulic cylinders act on each stabilizer bar, and linked by a pressure-sensing valve, they continually vary the lean resistance. During on-road cornering, when both front and rear hydraulic cylinders are in a neutral position, no fluid flows in the system and the stabilizer bars work conventionally to help reduce body lean.

Driving in off-road situations, KDSS is designed to reduce sway resistance, which allows the wheels to move with a larger degree of side-to-side independence. When the GX 460 encounters an uneven surface, one compressed cylinder causes fluid to flow to the other cylinder, helping the vehicle to keep all four wheels on the ground. The system works without any action needed by the driver.

The GX 460 has another ace up its fender for on-road smoothness. Available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) uses electronically controlled dampers that adjust to road surface conditions. The driver can tailor ride and handling characteristics by selecting from among Normal, Sport or Comfort modes.
In today’s world, a full-capability SUV means the ability to casually traverse highways and grocery store parking lots while also offering the ability for an off-road excursion. That’s why the Lexus GX 460 uses a full-time automatic four-wheel drive system that can enhance everyday handling on the pavement as well as on the trails.

A Torsen® torque-sensing limited slip center differential distributes power 40:60 under most driving conditions and changes the ratio as needed based on wheel slip. The system offers a low range for off-road driving, and the center differential can be electronically locked.

Driving through a curve on pavement, for example, the Torsen differential can change the torque split to 30:70 to enhance vehicle tracking. If wheels spin, the center differential can change the ratio to 50:50 to help control slippage. The system can respond to sudden changes in road-surface conditions, such as driving through a puddle or over an ice patch. A two-speed transfer case with low range is supported by a wide array of chassis control technology. With Downhill Assist Control (DAC), Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and available Crawl Control, the GX 460 has the ability to roam unpaved, uneven trails and steep inclines.

In some off-road conditions, where the driver might have a hard time knowing which direction the front wheels are pointing – the GX 460 comes with a standard steering angle indicator in the gauge panel. A-TRAC provides the traction benefits of having locking front and rear differentials, but with lower weight. The system can apply the brake to a slipping wheel, while transferring torque to the wheels with better traction.

Trail drivers who encounter steep and rocky hills know well the skill and concentration needed to manipulate the throttle, brake and steering to help keep the vehicle moving forward securely. The GX 460 makes it easier with available Crawl Control, which automatically modulates the throttle and brake, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering.

Engaged when the vehicle is in low range, Crawl Control allows the vehicle to move forward or in reverse at one of five driver-selectable low-speed settings. Crawl Control also engages the front and rear “virtual” locking differentials to help reduce tire slippage and optimize chassis behavior. Crawl Control can also help the driver navigate the GX 460 through sand, mud or snow.

The GX 460’s multimedia system is a multitasker, offering a customizable home screen that can display three sections simultaneously. For example, you can view a single display (navigation/map), dual display (navigation/map + audio, compass or other function) or three displays on the same screen (navigation/map + audio + weather). The available Navigation System’s three-dimensional map view makes it an even more effective driving partner. The touch-screen Display Audio uses an eight-inch screen that includes a backup camera, HD RadioTM, Bluetooth® audio, automatic phone book transfer, a vehicle information display and complimentary traffic and weather data provided via HD Radio.

The system also incorporates cache radio, which can pause live radio, recording up to 15 minutes of broadcast for later playback. Drivers with an iPhone ® (iPhone 4S and later) can get things done just by asking through standard Siri® Eyes Free Mode. Siri lets you call contacts, select and play music from iTunes®, get turn-by-turn navigation through Siri and Apple® maps, and much more.

The Lexus GX 460 also goes above and beyond with safety features. Technologies that exemplify the brand’s forward thinking are found in the optional Driver Support Package, which includes the Pre-Collision System (PCS), Driver Attention Monitor, Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Outside Rear View Mirror (camera + Blind Spot Monitor indicator) and a Wide-view Front and Side Camera that is designed to enhance visibility in tight settings and around corners. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control uses millimeter-wave radar to measure and help maintain a pre-set following distance from a vehicle traveling ahead.

The Driver Attention Monitor helps to address a growing safety concern, that of driver inattention. The innovative system uses a camera to monitor the orientation of the driver’s face. If it determines that the driver is not facing forward when an obstacle is detected by PCS, a warning chime and a warning display convey alerts. If the driver doesn’t respond as the vehicle closes on the obstacle, the next level of warning is PCS gently applying the brakes. At the same time, the system automatically retracts the front seat belts and prepares the brake system to respond with increased force when you apply the brake pedal.

By monitoring visible lane markings, Lane Departure Alert can detect unintentional lane departure and sound a warning buzzer and display a visual alert. Also part of the Driver Support Package, Intelligent High Beam brings courtesy and safety to the road by automatically switching high beams to low when meeting oncoming vehicles or approaching vehicles from the rear.

When equipped with the available Navigation System, the GX 460 also comes with a one-year complimentary subscription to Lexus Enform Destination Assist, and the subscription-free Lexus Enform App Suite.

These voice-enabled apps let you search the Internet through Destination Search, make restaurant reservations through OpenTable®, order movie tickets via MovieTickets.com, listen to Internet radio (including Pandora®, iHeartRadioTM and Slacker), and search business reviews on Yelp®.

Information includes maintenance alerts, warning light notifications and a vehicle health report that includes email and push notifications for diagnostic information, required maintenance reminders, current vehicle alerts, service campaigns, and more. Available Lexus Enform Remote (one-year subscription included) allows the owner to remotely view and control certain vehicle features using a mobile app for iOS and Android devices. Key features include remote door lock/unlock, remote stop/start for the engine and climate control, vehicle finder, guest driver monitor and more.

For those of us lucky enough to experience driving the Lexus LFA we lamented the fact that it was a limited production (500) high dollar super car (MSRP $375K USD) produced from 2011 to 2012. Needless to say, it remains an icon and a collector car. For most driving enthusiasts, the word exciting, sexy, exhilarating, thrilling was never associated with Lexus. In fact, after the LFA, nothing from Lexus could be labelled exciting, until now. Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota Motor Corporation and Chief Branding Officer of Lexus heard the automotive journalist’s call and vowed that Lexus will never be associated with those words. Being an avid car enthusiast and master driver who honed his skills at Nurburgring, Mr. Toyoda wanted Lexus to be emotional and exciting vehicles to drive.

As part of the Lexus Flagship lineup which consists of the LS500 and LX570, the LC500 and LC500h, the Flagship Sports Coupe is part of the Global Architecture-Luxury platform that features a low center of gravity, aerodynamics and high- speed stability which is shared by the LS sedan. The styling of the LC Flagship coupe is aggressive starting with the prominent spindle grille and wide flared out hip and low frontal area due to a multi-link front suspension system. The ultra-compact LED 3-projector headlamps are flanked by the L-shaped daytime running lights. An optional carbon fiber roof panel is available and at the rear the spindle profile is carried out. A set of optional 21” black wheels enhance the sporting look. The coupe looks purposeful and its aggressive looks generated a few stares wherever we drove it. Liberal use of light weight high strength steel, aluminum and CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) contribute to the stiffest unibody ever built by Lexus and with much of the drivetrain behind the front axle a 52:48 weight distribution was achieved resulting in the driver’s hip and heel points to be lowered in the cockpit.

The LC500 is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.0 liters V8 with 471 HP @7,100rpm and 398 lb-ft of torque @4,800rpm. The DOHC 32 valve Dual VVT-iE (Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) engine is hooked up to a 10-speed Sport Direct Shift automatic with paddle shift and manual mode. 0-60mph arrives in less than 4.5 seconds. To increase the exhaust sound, Active Exhaust channels the sound to the firewall through a special resonance tube. The engine switches to the Atkinson cycle for efficiency and to he Otto cycle for performance. The LC500h features Lexus Hybrid Synergy Drive and is mated to an Atkinson cycle 3.5 Liter gasoline engine and allows for operating the vehicle up to 87 mph without the gas engine. To enhance the sports driving experience, the owner can opt for the Lexus Dynamic Handling system (LDH) which coordinates EPS (electric power steering with Variable Gear Ratio Steering (VGRS) and Active Rear Steering (ARS).

The interior of the coupe was designed to maximize the driving experience by positioning the driver low and close to the center of gravity to transmit road feel more directly. The seats feature bolsters in the shoulder area and the optional sports seats provide more grip around the driver during hard cornering. The Alcantara door panels with drape-surfaces are similar to the flowing exterior lines. The TFT display and the Lexus Multi-Media display integrates the Remote Touch Interface touchpad control for Navigation, Audio and Connectivity. As if the standard 12 speaker Pioneer surround sound system isn’t enough, there’s the optional Mark Levinson 13 speaker sound system to blow your ears away.

So how does this all work out? Quite well, thank you. The coupe is easy to drive, and in true GT car fashion, comfortable and relaxing but turning the Drive Mode Selector switch to Sport+ brings out the true character of this coupe. Faster shifting, enhanced engine performance and increased engine sound contribute to an exciting driving experience. There’s a lot of Japanese culture incorporated in the car. The chrome strip next to the rear glass panel is not unlike a samurai sword and words like Kizashi (a sign of great things to come) and Omotenashi (hospitality) are integrated throughout the car.

There is a limited edition of 100 Lexus LC500 Inspiration Series that are painted in Flair Yellow, which does draw your attention and a new pigment called Structural Blue was formulated taking characteristics from butterfly wings tropical fish and precious stones. Both are brilliant and intense and unique in enhancing the profile of the car but you better hurry to get one.

The Lexus LC500 is a true GT (Grand Touring) car. It is quick, handles well and finally has feeling and excitement. Yet it is comfortable enough to drive it for an evening out. However, we feel they’ve left a little wiggle room for more performance and believe a LC500 F-Sport is coming soon that would satisfy the hardcore sports car enthusiasts. Until then, the Lexus LC500 and LC500h will be more than adequate for most of us who won’t be driving it to the limit.

Buckle-up and cruise October 12 – 13, 2018 for the City of Santa Monica’s 13th Annual AltCar Expo located at the Santa Monica Civic Lot and East Wing. Free to attend, the two-day event is jam-packed with educational fun and boasts the largest collection of hydrogen, electric and hybrid vehicles in the region. Among the many new and exciting vehicles debuting at the 13th annual event, are the NEW Audi e-Tron and Chanje Electric Commercial Van. At Altcar, attendees can experience many of the leading vehicles in alternative technology with the event’s vast variety of brands, technologies, and manufacturers specializing in automobiles that run on a fuel other than traditional petroleum fuel.

The City of Santa Monica’s AltCar Expo brings almost every make and model of alternative technology vehicles to one place for attendees to experience, touch, shop, test drive, compare and learn. With this year’s theme of “No Turning Back”, the Friday, October 12 conference includes industry experts discussing urban planning, mass transit, energy generation, sustainable lifestyle choices, electric vehicle infrastructure, alternative fuel technology and more. Some of the speakers included are Terry Tamminen, the CEO of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, and Jerry Knoll, the CEO of Electra Meccanica. The 13th annual event will offer the most extensive array of battery electric, fuel-cell electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid electric vehicles for consumers to sample.

Debuting at this year’s event is Electrica Meccanica’s single, commuter EV, SOLO, as well as the Southern California debut of Audi’s e-Tron, and the exclusive preview of Chanje’s all-electric commercial van. The full list of participating vehciles follows below: